Neck pain hardly ever starts out of the blue – it advances over time. The demands of our daily lives are not favorable to the neck. Neck pain may be caused by previous injuries, arthritis or degenerative disc disease. Then it is aggravated by bad posture, waning muscle strength, stress and poor sleep quality.
Irrespective of the cause of the pain, you can take certain actions to reduce the pain or heal it completely. The following are helpful tips for neck pain relief.
Relief tips for neck pain
Improve your posture
The words “stand upright” are constantly part of everyone’s childhood. It is not just about appearance. Correct posture provides an optimal position for your body to function better throughout the day. For instance, instead of pushing your shoulders backward, you should learn to align your body for the best posture naturally. Make sure you hold up your head up while sitting.
If you work at a desk, remember to take a break every half hour to stand, stretch your muscles and even walk around. Avoid neck pain caused by a sedentary lifestyle by investing in a decent ergonomic chair and frequently switching positions. Place your computer monitor at eye level for better viewing. This would prevent you from straining your neck while working.
Avoid injury
You may not need to be told, but avoiding injuries is an excellent way to prevent neck and back pain. Usually, people are always in a rush that they forget the necessary precautions for safety. Know your limits. If you need to lift heavy objects, get assistance to avoid straining your back and neck.
Exercise and rest
Working continuously without resting can cause stress. It is vital to get enough sleep every night to give your mind and body a chance to recover for the next day’s work. Inadequate sleep can affect your tolerance to pain and worsen your situation. Sleep deprivation can also heighten stress and weaken your immune system, which may predispose you to various health conditions including musculoskeletal pain.
Exercising daily, such as jogging or walking for 30 minutes, is beneficial for your heart health and musculoskeletal system.
Eat healthy meals
What you consume directly affects your body, and if you are fond of fried or processed foods, you are subjecting your body to inflammatory reactions. This results in pain and dehydration, but you can take steps to curtail that. Ensure you eat fruits, vegetables and lean protein daily and increase your water intake. You do not need to be thirsty to drink. Water helps to relieve certain symptoms and enhance your body functions.
Seek professional advice
Although the tips mentioned above will help, your body is unique. It is better to contact a professional who can make a diagnosis and suggest ways to ease such problems. The objective is to keep you healthy, improve mobility, strengthen your muscles and help you maintain painless body functions.
Final note
Neck pain should not inhibit your life. However, if it is joined by other symptoms such as weakness, radiating pain or numbness in the arm or leg, ensure you visit a doctor for medical evaluation.
Call us today at (816) 427-0201 for more information from Core Medical Center.
